A Balsall Common pub will be allowed to keep its already built bar area and big screen after councillors went against advice.

The saga began after Brickmakers Arms in Balsall Common put up a two metre perimeter fencing at the front, created an outdoor bar area in the beer garden and also put up a big screen on a raised platform.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported, the pub landlord Kevin McKloskey applied for retrospective planning permission but this was refused last March before a revised application went on to be considered by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee.

The application was identical apart from the perimeter fencing having been painted black, councillors previously heard.

At December's committee meeting issues were raised over the fence being "a jarring contrast to the heritage building".

But at the latest meeting this week, councillors heard the Station Road pub had made improvements through landscaping.

In the public speaking, Mr McKloskey said: "Since we took over the pub in 2023 it was in a state of disrepair both inside and out.

"The disrepair included a botched fence which following us taking over very nearly caused serious harm to a young child who mounted the fence.

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"The fence crumbled beneath her – luckily only minor injuries were sustained."

He said that led to the new fence being put up and, after feedback from the first meeting, they had now put up mature planting.

"We have planted trees which are now eight to 10 foot laurels," he said.

"Here we are begging. (Closure) is the other option."

Cllr Heather Delaney added: "We had five pubs in Balsall Common, we now have four.

"We really do want to support this pub to stay a thriving part of the village."

Planning officer Rebecca Hadley said: "It is a well established planning principle planting should not be relied upon to make an otherwise harmful development acceptable.

"This proposal fails both visual amenity and heritage tests – this application is recommended for refusal."

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In the councillors debate Cllr Bernadette Donnelly said: "It is much improved by putting in the laurels.

"They are evergreens, they stay that colour throughout the year. It is the perfect shrub to put on the perimeter."

Cllr Dave Pinwell said: "I expressed concern about the fence.

"On visiting this week I'm absolutely delighted to see the planting – which is clearly going to mitigate the concern."

And Cllr Prish Sharma said: "Pubs are closing – if a pub finds a way, in innovation, I believe we should make it possible and let it remain open.

"With due respect to the heritage we need to look after our pubs."

When it went to the vote councillors voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to conditions.